Template
Issue Escalation Note
Use when something is blocked, at risk, or needs a decision.
Bad news early is useful. Bad news late is expensive.
The Issue Escalation Note is how you raise a problem while there is still time to act. It is not a confession; it is a signal. Leaders should thank you for sending one.
When to use it
- The work is blocked.
- A deadline, cost, or quality target is at risk.
- A decision is needed and you do not have the authority to make it.
- You spotted an early warning sign and want it on the record.
How to use it
- Fill in the form below before the next regular update if possible.
- Send the result to the person who can help and the people who need to know. Use the Email a copy button to open a draft directly.
- Keep the tone factual: what we know, what we do not, what we recommend, what we need.
What good looks like
A good escalation answers four questions: what happened, what is the impact, what are the options, what do you recommend. If those are present, the responder can act fast.
Fillable form
Fill it in
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About this form
The form runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded. “Copy as Markdown” puts the filled template on your clipboard so you can paste it into Slack, Teams, email, or a doc. “Download .md” saves a plain-text Markdown file to your computer. “Email a copy” opens your default mail program with the filled template pre-pasted into the message body.